Thirty-one years ago a group of women attended a concert in Wawota where a performance was put on by a number of ladies from Moosomin. This acted as the inspiration for the Wawota based group, Hints of Harmony.
With women from across southeast Saskatchewan the group has seen women come and go; but, has continued to endure throughout the years.
"It's hard to believe! Thirty-one years," Nicki Ford, an original member of the group, explained. "There's a few of us from the very start and there's been lots of people along the way"
"Our group changes somewhat, but there's a pretty strong, committed core there. It's a very supportive atmosphere to be in."
In true, Hints of Harmony, tradition an annual Christmas concert was held in Wawota on Friday, Dec. 20th. Held in the Wawota United Church the concert began at 7:30 p.m., with admission being a silver collection for the Food Bank.
Hints of Harmony performed a number of Christmas tunes to a full venue. Keeping to their nature of performing all types of music the Christmas tunes ranged from country music to spirituals to blues arrangements.
"We do a little country, a little rock and roll, and a little bit of classical or spirituals, so we have a rather wide variety," Ford went on to explain.
The evening was thoroughly enjoyed as the amassed crowd was invited to relax and simply take in the music.
This year members of the group include Michelle Moore, Lorraine Fidelak, Jaime Finlay, Raelene Deptuk, Wendy Greenbank, Marie Vail, Miriam Kerr, Sandra Johnston, Sherry Shire, Rhonda Hall, Eileen Dunham, Isabel Robertson, and Nicki Ford.
Included in the evening were the magnificent talents of young music students in the area. Some played the piano, while others showcased their voices with songs. Overall the crowd was amazed by the young talent, which had amassed to perform for the evening.
"Music is a huge part of my life, I've been a piano player forever, so I really like to see the young children perform and develop music," Ford stated.
In addition to concerts Hints of Harmony have also put on a couple of musical skits including one about women's health and a second which includes songs written by Ford.
"I had written a few songs about farming and the trials and tribulations; so, one of my daughters said 'Why don't you do one called, Rural? You can use your farming songs.'" Ford stated. "So, we've had quite a bit of fun with, Rural, and have done it quite a few times."
They will be performing this on Jan. 9th in Virden, MB for the women's provincial curling playoffs, which was found to be fitting because, Rural, takes place in a curling rink.
Overall the women are amazed at how they have been able to sustain the group.
"I never dreamed we would have been going 31 years later, but there's never really been a reason to stop," Ford stated. "We've gone from having our children at our concerts to having our grandchildren at our concerts and it's nice for our families to join us."
The group is dedicated to bettering themselves and continuing to bring joy to those they perform for: "It's nice to do things that make people feel good."
"We work hard; we learn a lot of music, we memorize it all; we practice every week and we work at it. But, we laugh a lot and we have a lot of fun, so I guess that's why it's kept going, because it's always stayed fun."
